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Feds bust 20 in large Dallas area marijuana trafficking conspiracy

Twenty people in the Dallas area have been charged in connection with a large marijuana trafficking organization, according to a federal indictment that was unsealed.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. More than half of them are in custody, authorities said.

Federal and local police rounded them up following an operation that was conducted this week. Officers seized about 25 pounds of hydroponic marijuana, more than 600 marijuana plants, 10 vehicles and five firearms. Hydroponic marijuana is grown indoors, using mineral nutrient solutions in water instead of soil.

The agencies taking part include: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Internal Revenue Service; Dallas County Sheriff’s Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Dallas County District Attorney’s Office; and police departments in Desoto, Dallas, Balch Springs, Arlington and Midlothian.

The indictment charged the following defendants in the drug conspiracy:

–Sylvespa Eugene Adams, aka “Sylvesta Adams,” “Pa,” and “Paw,” 25.

–Alma Diane Smith, aka “Diane Williams,” 30.

–Michael Wayne-Cortez Ayers, aka “Big Mike,” 33.

–Isaac Demon Mathis, aka “Ike” “Issac Damone Mathis,” 30.

–David Laploise Jones, aka “Nino,” 31.

–Kory Lamonte Crayton, aka “Mokmu Tave” and “Coon,” 39.

–Taurus Kion Silmom, aka “T.K.,” 30.

–Nathan Dewayne Brown, 21.

–Connell Heads, 50.

–Marvin Jamel Fantroy, aka “Seven,” 32.

–Lamondrius Denard Kidd, 28.

–Modrick Jamal Spencer, 28.

–Waymon Madison, 39.

–Edward Lee Witherspoon, 50.

–Robin James Criss, aka “June Bug,” 30.

–Andre Demacus Reid, aka “Black,” 27.

–Rachael O’Neal, 20.

–Natasha Brown, 34.

–Jovanna Renee Bonner, 19.

–Precious Starr Lecreas Gowans, 30.

Adams and Smith are also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The indictment says that since January 2010, they conspired with others to conceal their drug proceeds, including forming a business front to hide the money.

If convicted, the defendants could be sentenced to five to 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. The money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

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